May 14, 2026_ A miniature Dakar. This is the Sardinia Rally Raid, organized in partnership with the Automobile Club Sassari and the Motoclub Insolita Sardegna, which is about to kick off the event in the north of the island of the four Moors, with a spectacular two- and four-wheeled spectacle in a simply breathtaking setting. The candidacy for the 2027 World Rally Raid Championship under the aegis of the FIA and FIM has the support of the national federations, ACI and FMI, and—of course—the Region of Sardinia, as well as the local authorities. Thus, in Olbia, the nerve center of the event, the atmosphere of a major event is palpable, infecting everyone (competitors, staff, and the public) in a whirlwind of excitement that will become roaring emotions over the three days of competition. It's important to note that the race on Friday and Saturday counts as the second stage of the Italian Cross Country Championship, while Sunday will see the conclusion of the championship race. Once the sporting and technical checks are completed, 42 vehicles competing in the CI2C will take to the track, followed by four vehicles from the "Classic" regularity event, led by a handful of motorcycles competing in the Baja European Cup. This "package" will follow the same route, distinct and independent from that planned for Motorally and RaidTT.
"Last year we achieved an extraordinary victory," recalls Alfio Bordonaro, "but this year everything is different, tougher and more selective. We'll give it our all anyway with our Suzuki Grand Vitara and then we'll see." Yes, that's right: everything is different, tougher and more selective, as befits a "Candidate Event" aiming for the World Championship seal. The course kilometers have practically doubled (actually, two and a half times longer, counting Sunday), and it will be a grueling physical and mechanical test for crews and vehicles. The prognosis is uncertain, especially considering what was seen at the Artugna Race two months ago, with an all-SSV podium, with Andrea Tomasini (Polaris Razor) taking a surprise win ahead of Martin Alejandro Cisella (Can Am Maverick), and an unexpected third-place finish for Lucio Rossi (Quaddy Yamaha). The off-road prototypes struggled, but Lorenzo Codecà (Suzuki Grand Vitara) and Sergio Galletti (Pajero WRC) were among the protagonists, with Bordonaro finishing sixth, holding off another trio of agile side-by-sides. In Friuli, there were bitter disappointments for Andrea Castagnera (Can Am), who was leading by a margin (electrical issue), Manuele Mengozzi (Toyota Hilux Overdrive), who went off the road while attempting a frantic comeback, and Kevin Manocchi (Quaddy Yamaha), who was disqualified for a technical irregularity after virtually finishing first. Everyone has the motivation to seek revenge, and the young driver from Veneto, joined for a one-off by Rocco Sbaraglia (his sister Giada navigates their father Michele), finally has a turbocharged engine at his disposal (albeit an older one) to unleash his potential. Tomorrow morning, the cars will start at 7:39 a.m. with the 169.30-km "Coiluna-Loelle Fiorentini" selective sector, interspersed with a short neutralization zone. Saturday features the 166.50-km "Monte Acuto" section, also with a neutralization zone, and Sunday marks the grand finale outside of Italy with the 109-km "Padru Terranova-Sorilis" section.
TV BROADCASTS: three live commentary broadcasts (30 minutes) are scheduled on ACI Sport TV on Friday 15 May at 9.30pm, Saturday 16 May at 9.00pm, Sunday 17 May at 6.45pm (indicative times, subject to scheduling priorities).
Italian Baja Press Office
